Those Violet Eyes by Vonnie!!!!

I know this green is a bit of a WOW factor, but can you handle it for a week or two to celebrate Spring? It’s my favorite season (when tornadoes aren’t puffing down my neck) so I want to share my excitement of winter passing. It’s a time of new birth and renewed hope for me–plus dark green is my fave color. 🙂 If it’s too gawdy I’ll change it, though, because my ranch pals are more important than my fave color and season. One more thing before I turn the round pen over to one of my all time favorite people, Vonnie Davis! My oldest granddaughter is seven years old today!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, ANDEE!!!!

And now I’ll suck on my mocha and cheese danish and let Vonnie entertain us with her soon-to-be-released book, Those Violet Eyes.

When the submissions call went out for Honky Tonk Hearts, my antennae shot up. I knew I wanted to be a part of this series, but what storyline could I write that would be different? Could anything I’d write be good enough for the series? After all I’d never written “short” before.

A few ideas flitted through my mind, but everyone seemed blasé and the typical fare. I might have to pass on this series, I thought.

That night in bed, I’d just slipped from wakefulness into that fragile, fluttery state of twilight sleep when a man on a Harley roared into our bedroom. You see, the heroes of my stories come to me first before a storyline or a heroine. No doubt because I love men so much. Still, on that particular night, I was very tired and eager for sleep. I rolled over and ignored the man on the motorcycle.

Within minutes, he rode into our bedroom again, his bike making that Harley patented “potato-potato-potato” sound. This time he got off his bike and removed his helmet. He adjusted his stance to accommodate his prosthesis which immediately got my attention. Somehow I knew he’d lost part of his leg in Iraq and suffered from PTSD. Simply put, the man captured my full attention.

[image deleted] 😦

He came to me and told me his name was Win, short for Sherwin. Would I tell his and Evie’s story? “I didn’t plan on falling in love, but who could resist those eyes? And that sassy attitude she’s got goin’ on. God, I love a woman with spirit.” He flashed me a slow, sexy smile, and I sighed—or drooled. “I wasn’t sure things would work out for us with me only having one full leg and some of my hearing gone. But I had to try. After all, that’s what I want to teach kids with amputee limbs. That they shouldn’t let it define them.” He shrugged a muscular shoulder. “I have to set the example. Right?”

Well, well, well. A hero in war and at home. What a winning combination (honest, no pun intended).

My youngest granddaughter was born with her right arm ending an inch below her elbow. If this imaginary man wanted to help children like her, well then I HAD to tell his story. I mean, what grandma wouldn’t?

By the time I fell asleep I had a rough storyline for Those Violet Eyes.

Blurb:

Evie Caldwell hoards every penny for her escape from the servitude life created by a worthless brother and the endless work on a ranch that will never be hers. The last thing she wants is a muscled man with a macho Marine attitude complicating her life. But, oh, how that man can make her insides do the twitchy thing.

Wounded vet, Win Fairchild, returns to Texas to heal, find a piece of his soul and open a ranch for amputee children. Finding someone to love was not on his agenda. Nor was dealing with a wildcat, until she captures his heart with those violet eyes.

But now that he knows what he wants, can Win convince Evie to stay in Texas—and his bed?

Excerpt:

Evie charged through the swinging door to the kitchen and skidded to a stop. It couldn’t be. Although his back was toward her, there was no mistaking the height and the broad muscled shoulders. This mystery nephew of Gus’s was the guy who’d remarked on her eyes. Her stomach did a little twitchy dance, nerves no doubt. She ran her suddenly damp palms over her short skirt and cleared her throat. “Excuse me. Win?”

No answer.

She took a couple steps closer and noticed he was washing vegetables under a spray of water. “Win?”

No reply.

Evie rolled her eyes and stepped behind him, tapping him on the back. The man dropped the strainer, swung around and grabbed her forearms. In a flurry of movement, he snatched her off the floor and backed her against the stainless steel counter. Cold wet hands viced her arms. Her eyes snapped wide and the air whooshed from her lungs when his body slammed into hers.

“Don’t do that!” Win’s eyes were narrowed and his breathing rapid. His jaw was clenched and a vein bulged in his forehead. The man was every inch the warrior, every hard tensed inch. He held her mid-air, so close they were nearly eyeball to eyeball. As his gaze traveled over her face and awareness evidently crept in as to the sex of his attacker, several inches of his frame hardened even more.

Evie swallowed. Oh, good Lord.

He glared and his nostrils flared.

“I…I’m sorry. I called your name, but…but you didn’t answer. I was only trying to get your attention.” Her lips twitched at the humor in the situation. Hadn’t Keira told her the man lost part of his hearing? Evidently she’d startled him. Poor soul. She felt a portion of herself return. A portion she’d hidden for so long; that light-hearted part of her soul that teased and cajoled. “Honest, I wasn’t trying to attack you.” She placed an open palm on his defined pecs and patted. “You’re safe with me, big guy.” Just to rattle him some more, she winked.

Win’s hazel eyes flashed for a second. Then he slowly leaned in and whispered in her ear, “You’re not safe with me.” A shiver galloped pell-mell through her. He smelled of pine soap and musk. His short spiky straw-colored hair tickled her neck when he lowered his head a fraction. Her eyebrows furrowed in question. Had he just kissed her below the ear? It was so brief, so feather light her mind wasn’t sure. Her nipples, though, piped up in confirmation. Hell yeah, he kissed you! Me next, me next!

*** The first story in the Honky Tonk Hearts series releases tomorrow — Honky Tonk Man by Sylvie Kaye.

Two stories will release per month for the next few exciting months. Those Violet Eyes releases June 27th. One lucky commenter today will receive a copy of my novella on release day in June.

Wow! I love the sound of Win and Evie! Can’t you just feel the tension and excitement thrumming through these two? And the artist did a fabulous job on that cover! She really looks like a longtime friend of mine named Cyndy.

Hey, be sure to let Vonnie know what you think of her latest ‘baby,’ tell us what your favorite season is, or just let us know you stopped by with a ‘Hey ya’ll’ for a chance to get this book when it comes out! I’ll post the winner here and save your email for release day so Vonnie can send it to one lucky commenter. Thank you all in advance for taking time from your day to check in! 🙂

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About Calisa Rhose

I'm a mother of three daughters, five granddaughters, and wife to a wonderfully supportive man. I began writing warm you to the bones romance as a teen, and the addiction has now morphed into a life of its own. I became a published author in May 2011! I create art and jewelry with polymer clay and beads to relax and sew for fun.
See my craft and sewing projects at http://fancifulallure.wordpress.com

Oh my goodness! Pick me! Pick me! Vonnie I am already SO in love with these characters. Outstanding job, my friend. I would love to win a copy! I can’t wait for this one to hit the cyber shelves, my friend! Congrats on the upcoming release!!

And remember, everyone- someone from here will have your very own copy come June! So be sure to check back tomorrow to see who you are because Vonnie and I may need harrassing once it releases so we don’t forget you! lol

But how wonderful to have a writer as a partner. Calling out another man’s name during sleep can be a bit embarrassing! Sadly, the only man I’ve dreamed about lately is our Prime Minister, John Key! TG it wasn’t anything sexy! *shudder* 🙂

I’m so looking forward to grabbing myself a copy of Evie and Win’s story. The countdown is on!!

Isn’t it odd what we dream about? Or who? I’ve been divorced for 21 years and everytime I’m getting sick, I dream about the “ex.” I’ve yet to figure out if my body reverts to bad times when my resistance is down…or, if THE dreaming of him is what makes me sick. But, hon, to dream about your Prime Minister? Yikes!!!

ROFL! That was the first I heard of how your story emerged….and I can’t blame you. If Win roared into my bedroom…well, let’s just say you were far more coherant that I would have been LOL. Love it….and love him and Evie. You did a great job with this story, Vonnie and I was so thrilled to be able to contract it for the series!

I was afraid to tell you, my editor, how Win came to me. I wan’t to dazzle you with my writing (and I’m smirking as I write this), not blind you with my craziness. Win, my wounded warrior, is probably my favorite hero so far.

Well, would you look at that???? The one reply I wanted to be perfect–the one to my editor–is the one with the mis-spelled word. I meant to say “wanted” not “wan’t” **Slaps forehead** God, I hate senior moments!!!

Vonnie! All I can say is – it has got to get crowded in your and Calvin’s bed! First that bear man with the Scottish accent. Now this gorgeous guy on the Harley named Win. I love how your heroes materialize to you – must make for some interesting dreams.

As always, I enjoyed your blog.

Shout out to Calisa! I’m on chapter four of HOME. 🙂 love your writing style.

Oh, Lynne, it does get crowded in our bed. Calvin named his heroine in THE PHANTOM LADY OF PARIS Bonnie…long before we ever met. So, as he was rewriiting it and getting it ready to submit, he often talked to Bonnie in his sleep. I’d answer thinking he said, “Vonnie.” Then he’d mumble, “Not you. Bonnie!” You know, at times, he still introduces me as Bonnie.” Isn’t that a hoot? Imagine, two writers, a cast of characters from two minds and one bed. It’s a wonder we get any sleep.

I love how your stories come to you, Vonnie. How does Calvin like the parade of hunky heros beating a path through his bedroom? LOL My inspiration for this series was the opening scene. I pictured it, full blown in vivid color, and couldn’t let it go. Then came the hard part, figuring out what happened next!

Jannine, now you’ve whetted my imagination and appetite. I can’t wait to read your story in the Honky Tonk Hearts line. I’ll pay careful attention to how your scene opens now that I know it came to you like that. Whoo…I’m excited about this series.

Brenda, I’ll share with you and the rest of the ladies my moment of panic. This story went through strict editing with Stacy. I read through the final galley. Yet somehow we both missed it. When production at TWRP sent me the final, FINAL galley, the goof jumped out and slapped me across the face. Win’s Humvee was blown up by an IUD instead of an IED. I quickly emailed my editor who contacted RJ. Thankfully, RJ took pity on me and made the change. She emailed saying the department got quite the chuckle over a birth control device strong enough to not only stop conception, but to blow up Humvees, too. OY!

Mine come to me when I’m in that place just between wake and sleep. I don’t have a problem not waking up… they never let me sleep when this happens. Last night was one such night with Taryn. How do I tell him it’s NOT his turn!? 🙂

Neecy, Win is a hunk of the first order, isn’t he? Calisa said her heros sometimes come to her, too, during that state between being away and asleep. I’m sure there’s a term for it; I call it twilight sleep, but surely there’s a fanicer name than that. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi Vonnie and Calisa (and give me a bite of that danish girl…lol) Great post today! Vonnie I love your book cover and really enjoyed how your story came to you. Congrats! Sounds like this is a keeper of a read.

Copyright

Be courteous. Do not copy or use original content on this site in any way without permission. This site and all content is the property of Calisa Rhose, and/or any other names this site owner goes by, unless protected by other owner and is borrowed with full permissions by this site.

This site created, designed and maintained by Calisa Rhose using WordPress.com